Top Kielbasa Brands: A Culinary Adventure for Sausage Enthusiasts!

Kielbasa, a traditional Polish sausage, has captured the taste buds of countless enthusiasts around the world. Its rich flavor, versatility in dishes, and cultural heritage make it a beloved staple in many kitchens. Whether you're frying it for breakfast or grilling it for dinner, choosing the right brand of kielbasa can greatly enhance your culinary experience. We've curated a list of some of the best kielbasa brands known for their quality and authentic taste. Continue reading to discover which brands made the cut and why they're worth trying.

Illustration of kielbasa

Best brands of kielbasa in 2025

Johnsonville

Johnsonville, a leading sausage producer in the United States, is renowned for its high-quality kielbasa products. Founded in 1945 by Ralph and Alice Stayer, the company has grown to become the largest sausage brand by revenue, with its products available in over 45 countries. Johnsonville produces over 70 different types of sausage, including their popular Polish Kielbasa, made with premium ingredients and a blend of spices. In 2020, sausage revenues for Johnsonville saw significant growth, with a 6.1% increase in dollar sales and a 4.3% rise in unit sales. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it numerous awards, including a best new product award in 2021 for its Sausage Strips.

Hillshire Farm

Hillshire Farm is a leading brand in the production of high-quality kielbasa, known for its savory and delicious Polish sausages made from premium cuts of meat. In 2024, Hillshire Farm ranked as the third top refrigerated dinner sausage brand in the U.S., with approximately 40.78 million units sold over a 12-week period. Their Polska Kielbasa sausages are slow-cooked and contain 100% premium pork, offering 210 calories per 66g serving with 28% of the daily value for total fat. The sausages are available in various formats, including smoked sausage ropes and links, each with detailed nutrition facts and cooking instructions. Hillshire Farm's commitment to quality and taste has made it a favorite among consumers. You can explore more about their Polish Kielbasa Links on their website.

Boar’s Head

Boar's Head is renowned for its high-quality kielbasa, a traditional Polish sausage crafted from pork and beef, seasoned with garlic, white pepper, coriander, and mace, and lightly smoked for an authentic flavor. This gluten-free, milk-free product contains no MSG, fillers, or by-products and is a good source of protein, with 9 grams per 2-ounce serving. Despite recent food safety issues, Boar's Head has historically been a trusted brand, though it faced significant challenges in 2024, including a listeria outbreak linked to its liverwurst products. The company's kielbasa is available in 16-ounce packages with 8 servings per container. Each serving provides 120 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 19% of the daily value for protein.

Nueske’s

Nueske's is renowned for its premium Applewood Smoked Kielbasa, a product that embodies the company's rich history and commitment to quality. Since 1933, Nueske's has been perfecting its traditional European smoking techniques, using high-quality pork and beef blended with secret spices and whole mustard seeds. The kielbasa is smoked for 20-24 hours over glowing embers of sweet Applewood, resulting in a rich, smoky flavor. This fully cooked, natural casing kielbasa is versatile and can be served cold, hot, boiled, baked, or grilled, and is ready to serve in just 15 minutes. Nueske's dedication to quality has earned it numerous awards, including three gold Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation (sofi) awards.

Usinger's

Usinger's is renowned as one of the best producers of kielbasa, with a rich history dating back to 1880 when Fred Usinger, an apprentice sausage maker from Germany, founded the company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Known for their traditional 19th-century recipes, Usinger's kielbasa is made with fresh pork, garlic, and natural casings, offering a flavorful and authentic Polish sausage experience. Each serving of their fresh kielbasa contains 170 calories, 15g of fat, and 8g of protein, making it a popular choice for those seeking high-quality sausages. The company has maintained its commitment to quality over four generations, with Fritz Usinger, the fourth-generation president, ensuring that the classic recipes remain unchanged while adapting to modern tastes. Usinger's kielbasa is a staple in many Polish and German cuisine enthusiasts' diets.

Kowalski

Kowalski Sausage Companies, established in 1920, is renowned as one of the best producers of kielbasa, offering 55 varieties of products using traditional old-world recipes and hardwood chips for smoking. With over 100 employees, the company maintains its secret family recipes for over a century, ensuring high-quality products like their fresh kielbasa, which contains 10g of fat and 8g of protein per 56g serving. Their products are widely distributed across Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, with nationwide shipping available. Kowalski's commitment to 'Kowality' has made it a staple in the food industry, particularly for Polish delicacies. The company's use of hardwood chips for smoking sets their products apart from the competition. For more details, visit Kowalski Sausages.

Alex's Meat

Alex's Meat is renowned for producing high-quality kielbasa, with products like their Fully Cooked Kicking Kielbasa standing out for its nutritional profile, which includes 28% protein, 2% carbs, and 70% fat. This brand has garnered praise for its savory and delicious sausages, making it a favorite among those who appreciate traditional European-style meats. With a wide range of meat products, including various types of bologna and salami, Alex's Meat caters to diverse tastes. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in the detailed ingredients and cooking instructions provided for each product. For those seeking authentic and flavorful kielbasa, Alex's Meat is a top choice.

Kransky Brothers

Kransky Brothers is renowned for its high-quality kielbasa, standing out as one of the best producers in the industry. Known for their traditional Polish recipes and meticulous production processes, Kransky Brothers ensures each sausage meets stringent quality standards. Their kielbasa varieties, such as those made from pork, beef, and turkey, have gained significant market traction, with some products seeing a 20% increase in sales over the past year. The company's commitment to using natural ingredients and avoiding preservatives has resonated with health-conscious consumers, contributing to their market growth. With a rich history and a focus on innovation, Kransky Brothers continues to innovate and expand its product lines to meet evolving consumer demands. For more details, visit their official website.

Dickmann's

Dickmann's is renowned as one of the top producers of kielbasa, a type of sausage, due to its high-quality ingredients and traditional production methods. In Germany, where sausage production is a significant industry, Dickmann's stands out for its consistent quality, contributing to the country's overall sausage production volume, which was approximately 857.8 thousand tons in 2023. The brand's commitment to using premium meats and adhering to traditional recipes has earned it a loyal customer base. Despite the overall decline in boiled sausage production in Germany, Dickmann's continues to maintain its market presence. The global sausage market, which includes brands like Dickmann's, is projected to grow annually by 5.28% from 2024 to 2029.

Srodek's

Srodek's Campau Quality Sausage Co. is renowned as one of the best producers of kielbasa, offering a wide range of traditional Polish sausages smoked with wood imported from Poland. Since its inception in 1981, this family-owned business has maintained its commitment to authentic Polish culinary traditions, with over 30 different flavors of pierogi and various types of sausages, including hunter's sausage and bun-sized sausages. The company's dedication to quality has earned it a loyal customer base, with many customers traveling from other states to purchase their products. Srodek's kielbasa is particularly praised for its rich flavor and high quality, making it a staple in Polish cuisine. The new location in Sterling Heights will continue this tradition, featuring a European-style bakery and an in-house microbrewery.